Ho Chi Minh City strengthens response to infectious diseases amid rising cases

Ho Chi Minh City has stepped up measures to prevent and control infectious diseases, with recent developments including a rising trend of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).

At a press conference on the city’s socio-economic situation on April 2, Le Hong Nga, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC), said the disease mostly affects children under five and has recorded some fatalities. Surveillance results show the emergence of Enterovirus 71 (EV71), described as a virulent strain that spreads quickly and has potential to cause severe illness.

Prevention and control measures in schools and communities

In response, the city’s health sector has strengthened coordination with the education sector to implement coordinated prevention and control measures in schools and the community.

Public communication has been intensified through various channels, focusing on the “3 clean” message: clean eating, clean living, and clean hands. Preschools and child care centers are reinforcing hygiene, disinfection of classrooms, supplies, and toys; daily roll calls are being conducted to detect suspected cases early and promptly report to health authorities.

Parents are advised to closely monitor their children’s health, recognize early warning signs of deterioration, and seek medical attention promptly. Sick children must stay home and be isolated according to regulations to limit transmission.

Other infectious diseases: meningococcal disease

Regarding other diseases, Nga said there have been 6 cases of meningococcal disease so far this year, scattered across several localities. Cases are in adolescents; all have been treated with stable outcomes and no fatalities.

The health sector recommends vaccination and maintaining personal and environmental hygiene to prevent the disease.

COVID-19 surveillance update

For COVID-19, HCMC continues integrated surveillance with acute respiratory infections. The number of cases in 2026 to date is 5 outpatient cases, down 60% compared with the same period in 2025 (10 cases). No new variants have been detected, and health authorities say the situation is essentially under control, while people are advised to maintain personal hygiene to prevent illness.

HFMD data and recent trend

According to the infectious disease surveillance system, as of March 29, 2026, the city has recorded 9,107 HFMD cases, up 191.5% versus the same period in 2025.

After several weeks of decline earlier in 2026, weekly cases have been rising since week 10, continuing through week 13. Week 13 (23–29/3/2026) recorded 940 new cases, up 42.9% compared with the four-week average prior to that period.